and
consists in cultivating and improveing every good inclination and in checking
and subduing every propensity to Evil. I have been particular upon the passion
of Anger, as it is generally the most predominant passion at your age, the
soonest excited, and the least pains taken to subdue it.

"What
composes Man, can Man destroy."

I
do not mean however to have you insensible to real injuries. He who will
not turn when he is trodden upon is deficient in point of spirit, yet if
you can preserve good Breeding and decency of Manners you will have an advantage
over the agressor and will maintain a dignity of character which will always
insure you respect even from the offender.

I
will
not over burden your mind at this time. I mean to persue the Subject of
Self-knowledge in some future Letter, and give you my Sentiments upon your
future conduct in life when I feel disposed to reassume my pen. In the mean
time be assured no one is more sincerely Interested in your happiness than
your ever affectionate Mother,

AA

Adams,
Abigail. Letter to John Quincy Adams, March 20, 1780. Adams Family Papers,
Massachusetts Historical Society. Published in Adams Family Correspondence,
Volume 3: April 1778 - September 1780 (Cambridge: The Belknap Press of Harvard
University Press, 1973). Pages 310-313.